Could you be a Sally Army Helper?

Iain Russell

That’s the question from The Salvation Army’s charity shops as they launch an appeal for extra volunteers this Christmas.

November and December are incredibly busy months for Salvation Army shops, increasing the need for lots of extra helpers to support with sales and donations.

Alan Rankin, a Salvation Army area manager, said: “There’s no time like Christmas to help out at a Salvation Army shop. It’s one of the best times of year, but also one of the busiest.

“That’s why we’re appealing for a band of Sally Army Helpers who can donate as much time as they can to our shops during the festive period. Volunteers often don’t realise how valuable they are; a couple of hours or even a few days a week make a huge difference to us.”

Salvation Army shops offer training in essential volunteer skills but there are a number of key traits required of a Sally Army Helper; these include: Willingness to help sort through sacks of donations to spot great toys, pristine party-wear and cosy winter warmers that will fill customers with glee; like of Christmas decorations and an ability to decorate a tree; the ability to be jolly, even under pressure; the desire to help customers find second-hand treasure; knowing a Christmas carol - or three!

No matter your experience there are a number of jobs that the Salvation Army shops need help with at Christmas time.

Alan added: “We’d like to encourage anybody interested in being one of our Sally Army Helpers to pop in to talk to our friendly staff. There are lots of tasks to get involved with, including sorting through donations, creating window displays, steaming and hanging clothes, assisting customers and generally helping us spread Christmas cheer!”

The money raised through shops contributes to The Salvation Army’s valuable work with people who are vulnerable and in need across the UK, including homelessness and addiction services, care for older people, help at emergency incidents and a family tracing service.

Over the last five years the Salvation Army Trading Company’s shops and recycling initiatives have donated over £35 million to The Salvation Army.